Gianluigi Buffon paid tribute to Gianluca Vialli on Instagram showing a Sampdoria shirt the former striker had gifted him a few years ago: ‘You were a giant.’
The former Juventus, Sampdoria and Chelsea striker died on Friday, aged 58. He had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017.
Buffon is among the many personalities in the world of football who are paying tribute to the former Italy striker on social media.
The ex-Juventus goalkeeper, now at Parma in Serie B, showed on Instagram a signed No.9 Sampdoria shirt Vialli had gifted him a few years ago.
“It’s not easy to find the words at this moment, you were a giant on the pitch and in life,” said Buffon.
“You fought until the end with your head held high with unique dignity. This shirt you gifted me is priceless, and every time I’ll see it, I could only thank you for everything you did. The void you leave is immense, goodbye Gianluca.”
Vialli scored 53 goals in 145 appearances with Juventus from 1992 until 1996. He joined Chelsea after winning the Champions League with the Bianconeri. To date, he is the last Juventus captain to have lifted the Cup With the Big Ears.
The Bianconeri paid an emotional tribute to the 58-year-old. Their coach Massimiliano Allegri began today’s press conference with a minute’s silence.
Two of Vialli’s former clubs, Cremonese and Juventus, met on Wednesday in the first Serie A game of the year.